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Xavier Rhodes Grades

Got this from my buddies ESPN insider! Thought it was cool and would share...Xavier RhodesCornerback77SCOUTS GRADEGrading ScaleGrading Scale

70-79 Grade

3rd Round Round Equivalent

A feature player at the collegiate level that has an impact on the outcome of the game. He generally cannot be shut down by a single player and plays on a consistent level week in and week out. Most importantly, he shows the potential to create mismatches versus many opponents in the NFL. He rates in the top 5-to-10 at his position and is considered a second round draft prospect.View All Grades »Close

Injured left knee in the Champs Sports Bowl and underwent arthroscopic surgery. Hindered by hip pointer in 2010. Sustained a season-ending thumb injury early in the 2009 season. Underwent surgery and redshirted.

Intangibles

2

Winner of team's Most Dependable Skill Player Award in 2011. Named one of the team's top newcomers on defense in 2010.

Executes assignments and doesn't try to do too much. Shows above average discipline in zone and rarely drifts out of position. Reads receivers and shows average route recognition. Flashes the ability to jump underneath routes but can also bite on double moves. Does a good job of reading keys and locating ball when lines up in the box. (See Play 6 of the 2011 North Carolina State game)

Cover Skills

3

Shows good range and generally limits production after the catch. Capable of covering deep half if moved to safety. Not as effective matching up in man. Has the upper body strength and length to make it difficult for receivers to get off the line. On the other hand, doesn't show a second gear when tracking the ball downfield and can commit pass interference to prevent from getting beat. (See Play 4 of the 2011 Clemson game) Shows stiffness in his hips transitioning in and out of breaks.

Ball Skills

2

Not a playmaking ball hawk at this point but has some upside and makes routine plays look routine. Appears to have long arms and doesn't have to be in perfect position to make a play on the ball. Can compete for jump balls. Elevates well and shows average body control in the air.

Run Support

2

Tough and more than willing to step up. Flashes the ability to get of blocks and even has some experience lining up in the box. Above average tackler for the position. Breaks down and wraps up. Willing to sacrifice body to make the play. Has some experience lining up at safety and plays the run well enough to play safety at the next level.

Is tall with adequate bulk and long arms. Appears on tape to have adequate but not great straight-line speed.

Durability

1

Has played in all 38 games during first three seasons at Mississippi State (2009-11).

Intangibles

2

No off the field issues to our knowledge. Has proven to be a versatile player with experience at cornerback, safety and on special teams, including role as punt return specialist. Has a one-year old son named Keidan with his girlfriend. Grandson of Mrs. Maggie Banks.

Confident, competitive and experienced cornerback who continues to improve his recognition skills. Displays natural instincts as a football player. Is crafty and shows good situational awareness. Can be a quarter-count late diagnosing quick-hitting routes (slants, outs, etc.) when playing off the line. But does a very nice job of transitioning eyes from WR to QB when working in zone (see: INT vs. LSU 2011). Diagnoses run quickly without getting caught peeking in backfield. Shows good instincts when turned loose on the blitz, which occurs frequently (four 2011 tapes studied).

Cover Skills

3

Has quick feet but is a bit high cut and lacks ideal change of direction skills. Has some trouble versus smaller, quicker WRs (ie Arkansas' Jarius Wright). However, he has the length to matchup well versus bigger WRs (ie LSU's Rueben Randle). Seems to be at his best in press-man coverage. Is learning how to properly use his hands to jab and reroute WRs at the line. Is aggressive and physical. Does a nice job with his feet and does not swing open the gate prematurely. Lacks explosive burst out of his pedal and teams will attack him with quick-hitters when they anticipate him giving a cushion.

Ball Skills

2

Has been an above average ballhawk throughout his career. Has returned three of 12 career punt returns for TDs. Is aggressive and attacks the ball like a WR. Does not appear to have great leaping ability but has long arms and has proven capable of catching ball over head.

Run Support

1

Aggressive cornerback. Not at all afraid to mix it up physically. Flies around the field and will sacrifice his body to get in on the play. Needs to be more consistent with hand usage and continue to improve upper body strength to disengage quicker. But he is willing and active in support. Does a nice job with outside leverage. Not afraid to mix it up near the line of scrimmage. Has experience at DS and has worked as an eight defender in the box. Also shows very good awareness when turned loose off the edge as a blitzer. Has a tendency to wrap up a bit high but does a better job than most college CBs of finishing tackles. Looks to strip the ball when possible and has flashed effectiveness in that area.